DOT Fines British Airways $250,000

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a $250,000 fine to British Airways for violating its full-fare advertising rules as well the Montreal Convention regulating rules for reimbursements of mishandled baggage.

DOT said its Aviation Enforcement Office found British Airways to be in violation of full-fare advertising because the carrier promoted awards for travel in emails and on websites without disclosure of taxes and government fees.

Additionally, the office said that the British carrier violated the Montreal Convention — the international agreement on rules for international air travel — by its refusing to reimburse passengers for loss, damage or theft from checked baggage.

“Consumers deserve fair treatment from airlines when it comes to price advertising and being reimbursed for lost, damaged or stolen baggage. To surprise consumers at the last minute of the purchase process with additional unadvertised costs is deceptive and unacceptable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “At DOT we will continue to make sure airlines treat their customers with the respect they deserve.”